NPR News Now: September 29, 2025, 10AM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston
Date: September 29, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This fast-paced episode delivers the latest national and international headlines, with a focus on efforts for a Gaza peace deal, high-stakes political moves in Missouri, a landmark business acquisition, US-South Korea visa negotiations, a major court case, and pop culture news about the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Israel Talks on Gaza Peace Deal

• [00:11–01:07]
  • President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are set to meet at the White House to discuss a new US peace proposal for Gaza.
  • Proposal Details (via Daniel Estrin, NPR):
    • Calls for Hamas to release all remaining 48 hostages (living and dead) up front.
    • Envisions a gradual shift: a multinational Arab and Muslim peacekeeping force would enter Gaza, while Israeli forces would withdraw.
    • Trump previously presented this plan to Arab leaders in New York, marking the administration's most "serious effort yet... to end the war and to chart a post war Future for Gaza." — Daniel Estrin [00:54]
    • Trump told Axios that negotiations are "at their final stages."
  • Memorable Quote:

    “It is the most serious effort yet since Trump entered office to end the war and to chart a post war Future for Gaza.”
    — Daniel Estrin [00:54]

2. Missouri Redistricting for GOP Advantage

• [01:07–02:01]
  • Missouri joins Texas in redrawing congressional maps aimed at boosting Republican chances in midterms.
  • Rachel Lippman (St. Louis Public Radio):
    • The new map breaks up Democrat Emmanuel Cleaver's district, potentially giving Republicans control of 7 out of 8 state seats (up from 6).
    • Bill signing was private, already faces legal challenges.
    • Opponents are organizing a statewide referendum; voters could ultimately decide.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “Opponents are already gathering signatures to force a statewide vote. If they are successful, voters would have to approve the new districts.”
    — Rachel Lippman [01:46]

3. Major Business Headlines

• [02:01–02:54]
  • Stock Market: Markets open mixed; Dow down ~15 points.
  • Electronic Arts Buyout (Scott Horsley):
    • Three private equity firms, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Jared Kushner's company, are set to buy Electronic Arts for $55 billion.
    • EA (Madden NFL, The Sims) will go private in the deal.
    • Lufthansa is expanding its jet fleet by 230+ planes but plans to cut 4,000 admin jobs due to AI efficiencies.
    • A $58 million recall affects corn dogs and sausage on a stick—due to unexpected wood pieces in batter.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “A trio of private equity firms is buying the video game giant Electronic Arts in a deal valued at $55 billion.”
    — Scott Horsley [02:16]

4. US-South Korea Skilled Worker Visa Talks

• [02:54–03:21]
  • High-level US-South Korea talks scheduled to address visa access for skilled Korean workers.
  • Triggered by the detention of 300+ Koreans at a Georgia battery factory earlier in the month.

5. Significant Legal & Cultural Updates

• [03:21–03:49]
  • Charlie Kirk Case: Tyler Robinson, 22, is in court over the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, facing aggravated murder charges with the prosecution seeking the death penalty.
  • Super Bowl Halftime Performer:
    • Bad Bunny will headline the February Super Bowl in Utah.
    • Isabella Gomez Sarmiento (NPR):
      • Highlights Bad Bunny’s cultural influence and activism.
      • Noted for "elevating Latin music to completely new heights," according to the NFL and partners.
      • His most recent world tour excludes mainland US, citing concerns about possible ICE actions.
    • Memorable Quote:

      “He has released some of the biggest songs and albums of the past decade, breaking streaming and touring records left and right.”
      — Isabella Gomez Sarmiento [04:05]
      “Earlier this summer, he said he did not include the mainland US in his upcoming world tour out of fear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement could target his concerts.”
      — Isabella Gomez Sarmiento [04:24]

6. Market Recap

• [04:36–04:54]
  • Latest stock update:
    • Dow: down 59 points
    • NASDAQ: up 177 points
    • S&P 500: up 23 points

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Daniel Estrin [00:54]:
  "It is the most serious effort yet since Trump entered office to end the war and to chart a post war Future for Gaza."
• Rachel Lippman [01:46]:
  "Opponents are already gathering signatures to force a statewide vote. If they are successful, voters would have to approve the new districts."
• Scott Horsley [02:16]:
  "A trio of private equity firms is buying the video game giant Electronic Arts in a deal valued at $55 billion."
• Isabella Gomez Sarmiento [04:05, 04:24]:
  "He has released some of the biggest songs and albums of the past decade, breaking streaming and touring records left and right."
  "Earlier this summer, he said he did not include the mainland US in his upcoming world tour out of fear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement could target his concerts."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:11] — Start of news, Gaza peace deal proposal
• [01:31] — Missouri congressional maps redrawn
• [02:01] — Stock market/massive Electronic Arts privatization, Lufthansa cuts, recall alert
• [02:54] — US-South Korea skilled worker visa talks preview
• [03:21] — Charlie Kirk court case update, Super Bowl halftime show announced
• [04:36] — Stock market recap

Conclusion

This concise NPR News Now episode distills a morning’s worth of headline-grabbing events—from global diplomacy and shifting US political maps to major business deals and cultural milestones—delivering clear and factual insights for listeners on the go.